Rottweiler dog

Rottweiler dog history: Our name originates from the Roman settlement of Rottweil in Germany. When the Roman Empire was invading Germany, mastiff-type dogs were brought along too for guarding and herding livestock. These became Rottweiler dogs as you know them today. As Rottweil became an increasingly important trading centre, butchers in the town used us for various duties including pulling carts. More recently, our natural guarding instincts and boldness has made us popular with police forces and other similar organisations. We first appeared in Britain in the 1930s and are one of the most popular dogs in America.

Rottweiler dog appearance: Well you wouldn’t want to pick a fight with us. Rottweilers are big, powerful and have a great set of teeth. But see below because appearances can be deceptive. Our head is wide with a deep, broad muzzle. Our neck is very strong and very muscular. Legs are equally muscular and our back is strong. It’s difficult to find a weakness really. Scratch that – we love having our tummy tickled – that’s definitely a weakness.

Rottweiler dog needs: We’re an active dog and like plenty of exercise. So dust down your running shoes from the wardrobe – we’re about to get into shape! Our coat is easy to maintain and responds well to grooming, creating a splendid sheen.

Rottweiler dog rewards: In a word – macho. Being seen out with us is like having P Diddy in your phone contacts. Of course you get the guarding, the protection and the peace of mind. But you get so much more. We can bake. We arrange flowers. Just kidding. What we do is give you a loyal friend. Not ideal for small children, not necessarily because we are dangerous (although like all dogs, we can be that) but mainly because we’re so big and powerful. We are a willing worker and definitely have a soft side. What we are, according to the American Kennel Club is “a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” That’s probably about right in truth.

Rottweiler dog health: As with most large breeds, hip dysplasia can be a problem. For this reason the various Rottweiler breed clubs have had x-ray testing regimes in place for us for many years. Osteochondritis Dissecans, a condition affecting our shoulder joints, can also be a problem due to our rapid growth rate. For some reason, we are more susceptible than other breeds to become infected with parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease of puppies and young dogs. Parvovirus can be easily prevented by following a veterinarian’s recommended vaccine protocol.

Rottweiler dogs grow to around 25in (63cm) but weigh in much larger at around 100lb (47kg) on average.

What's my history?

Our name originates from the Roman settlement of Rottweil in Germany. When the Roman Empire was invading Germany, mastiff-type dogs were brought along too for guarding and herding livestock. These became Rottweiler dogs as you know them today. As Rottweil became an increasingly important trading centre, butchers in the town used us for various duties including pulling carts. More recently, our natural guarding instincts and boldness has made us popular with police forces and other similar organisations. We first appeared in Britain in the 1930s and are one of the most popular dogs in America.

What do I look like?

Well you wouldn’t want to pick a fight with us. Rottweilers are big, powerful and have a great set of teeth. But see below because appearances can be deceptive. Our head is wide with a deep, broad muzzle. Our neck is very strong and very muscular. Legs are equally muscular and our back is strong. It’s difficult to find a weakness really. Scratch that – we love having our tummy tickled – that’s definitely a weakness.

What do I need from you?

We’re an active dog and like plenty of exercise. So dust down your running shoes from the wardrobe – we’re about to get into shape! Our coat is easy to maintain and responds well to grooming, creating a splendid sheen.

What I will give in return

In a word – macho. Being seen out with us is like having P Diddy in your phone contacts. Of course you get the guarding, the protection and the peace of mind. But you get so much more. We can bake. We arrange flowers. Just kidding. What we do is give you a loyal friend. Not ideal for small children, not necessarily because we are dangerous (although like all dogs, we can be that) but mainly because we’re so big and powerful. We are a willing worker and definitely have a soft side. What we are, according to the American Kennel Club is “a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” That’s probably about right in truth.

What's our health like?

As with most large breeds, hip dysplasia can be a problem. For this reason the various Rottweiler breed clubs have had x-ray testing regimes in place for us for many years. Osteochondritis Dissecans, a condition affecting our shoulder joints, can also be a problem due to our rapid growth rate. For some reason, we are more susceptible than other breeds to become infected with parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease of puppies and young dogs. Parvovirus can be easily prevented by following a veterinarian’s recommended vaccine protocol.

How big will I get?

Rottweiler dogs grow to around 25in (63cm) but weigh in much larger at around 100lb (47kg) on average.

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Disclaimer: the views expressed on this page and any comments below are only a guide to typical traits and views on the breed. Individual circumstance and traits will always vary so we can be in no way responsible for any of the information provided.